“Hey, Neika. Did you have a fight with Ryuya?”
“It’s not like that. It’s just... things are a bit awkward right now.”
Ehh... These two, who usually seem completely unrelated to the word 'awkward,' are feeling awkward? What on earth happened?
As I looked back and forth between them, Neika suddenly flashed a smile.
“It’s okay, it’s okaaaay. It’ll go back to normal in a little bit.”
“...Well, if you say so... but don’t let it drag on too long, okay?”
“Nishishi. ...As I thought, Akky is super kind. I love that about you too, Akky! ☆”
“Shut it.”
I flicked the forehead of the teasing Neika and returned to my seat.
Looking behind me, I saw Ryuya with an awkward expression. It’s really rare for him to make a face like that.
“Ah... Ryuya. If something’s up, talk to me. I’ll definitely help you out.”
“...Thanks, Akito.”
Ryuya smiled with a somewhat pained look. Seriously, what happened?
Thinking about the two of them, a sigh escaped me naturally. I want someone to understand this restless feeling.
“Hey, Sanada. Why are you sighing so much since this morning?”
“! Oh, Rira... Kuonji. Good morn... ing...”
Seeing Riran who had just arrived at school, the words got stuck in my throat.
Peeking out from her short sleeves was white skin that was every bit as flawless as Tsuchimikado’s or Neika’s. Although she had the top button open, all the others were closed. As a result, the volume of her chest, which was far beyond a high schooler’s, stood out even more. In fact, it looked like a button or two might pop off at any moment.
Her school-designated skirt was also quite short. She was generously showing off her firm, water-repelling thighs.
I had imagined many things... but I was once again reminded that imagination and reality are different. What is this? She’s way too cute.
Perhaps noticing my stunned gaze, she blushed and looked away.
“W-What... If you have something to say, just say it clearly.”
“Ugh... N-Nothing. It’s nothing...”
“...I see.”
..........
AS IF I COULD SAY IT!!!!
That I was staring because you’re too cute... I can’t say that in the middle of the classroom! I’d die of embarrassment!
However, Ryuguin, who was with her, seemed to understand, as she was desperately stifling her laughter. Hey, don’t look at me with that face.
“Fufu. Good morning, Sanada-kun. Kurashiki-kun too.”
“Hey, hey, hey! Ossu, ossu!”
“Good morning, Ryuguin.”
Looking at Ryuguin, she wore a summer vest over her short-sleeved white shirt. Her skirt was neither too short nor too long—she felt like the quintessential honor student. Compared to the gyaru-like Tsuchimikado, Ryuguin still had that Yamato Nadeshiko vibe. They are truly polar opposites.
“Oh? Neika-chan, what’s wrong?”
“It’s true. Usually, you three are always together.”
Ah, crap.
Whether she heard that conversation or not, Neika suddenly stood up and walked out into the hallway. Seeing that, Ryuya also looked away as if trying to run from Neika.
“...U-Um... I’m sorry. Did I say something strange...?”
“...No. It’s not Ryuguin’s fault. ...This is a problem between me and Nei.”
Riran and Ryuguin looked at me with worried faces. I could only respond by shrugging my shoulders.
◆
The two of them sat down apologetically, and as I sat back in my chair and looked forward, my phone vibrated.
Riran: Are those two really okay?
...Seriously, she’s so kind.
Akito: Yeah, don’t worry about it.
Akito: Though, to be honest, I don’t know the details either. All I can do for now is watch over them.
Riran: I see... if there’s anything I can help with, let me know.
Riran: (Stamp of a dog making a determined face)
Akito: Yeah. I’ll count on you then.
Day by day, I’m reminded that Riran is actually a really good person. ...Hm? Another message from Riran.
Riran: Changing the subject, sorry about what happened in front of the station.
What happened in front of the station? ...Ah. When Noa was clinging all over me. Indeed, she had been strangely avoiding me since then.
Akito: I’m sorry for letting that happen in front of you, my Fated Person... sorry.
Riran: ...Don’t let other girls do that anymore.
By 'that,' she means... letting them hug me. To say, 'don’t let other girls do that'... I hurriedly looked at Riran, and noticing my gaze, her shoulders trembled.
『Message unsent』
Riran: Mistake!
Riran: It’s nothing! It’s really nothing!
No, that’s pushing it. I already saw it, and I already marked it as read.
Riran: M-More importantly,
Riran: Come to the usual place after homeroom.
The usual place. Meaning the stairwell landing in front of the rooftop.
Akito: Yeah. Got it.
Riran: (Stamp of a dog saying 'Thank you')
After that, Riran put away her phone and went over to Ryuguin. I followed her with my eyes and slumped onto my desk while letting out a breath.
...That’s a foul, damn it.